Is a doctor of medicine degree in Russia equivalent to the US?

No, a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from Russia is not automatically equivalent to an MD degree from the US. While a Russian medical education might be rigorous, the US doesn't have a system of automatic recognition of foreign medical degrees.

To practice medicine in the US with a Russian MD, a foreign-educated physician must typically complete:

* Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) certification: This involves demonstrating competency equivalent to US medical school graduates through examinations and verification of credentials.

* United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE): This is a three-step exam series that assesses knowledge and skills in clinical medicine.

* Residency in the US: A period of postgraduate training in a specialty under the supervision of US-licensed physicians. This is crucial for obtaining licensure.

* State medical licensure: Each US state has its own licensing board, requiring separate applications and potentially further examinations.

Therefore, while a Russian MD might represent substantial medical training, it's not a direct pathway to practicing medicine in the US. Significant additional steps are needed to achieve US medical licensure.